Could Robin Williams’ Faith Have Prevented His Suicide?

 I am a born-again Christian. I have been one since I was 15 years old. I struggle with mental illness. I am a bipolar depressant who has thought about killing myself at least five or six times in the last six years alone. over a year ago I was even in a crisis center because I got so bad, I was afraid of hurting myself. I am on medication, and have been and still am in counselling.

Mental illness is a disease and very real just like other diseases, but it is of the brain.  I heard that after Robin Williams death they actually could see the area in his brain that had the disease.  See it!!!  I don't know what the specific name of it was, but this just goes to show that mental illness is a real disease and not just "in our heads" like so many people think.  People that think this way don't realize how blessed they are to be free of such an affliction.  It's easy to say it's not a real disease when you don't have it and don't think it's real.  Some people have heart disease, others have something else.  I pray that our society comes to realize this is a real epidemic that needs to be taken more seriously.  Part of the problem is the brain is the least understood organ of the body due to it's complexity.  Hopefully someday there will be better treatments.  God gave us the materials and knowledge.  It's only a matter of time...

My husband who was a born again Christian succumbed to the depression/bi-polar disease this past August by way of suicide. His comment prior to his death, to me was, "if Robin Williams can't fight this disease who am I to think that I can". We saw his daily struggle and somehow understand a small part of what he went through, a very real mental and spiritual struggle.

I too have battled depression all of  my life. I'm a born again Christian and for so many years I beat myself up believing it was my fault that I was depressed. I did not pray enough, serve enough or did not have enough faith to be healed. I have learned that sometimes drug intervention is needed. I have attended church since the late 70's sometimes more active than at other times. Every church I have attended the pastor preached that so many Christians are on antidepressants and other things to cope, and that more devotion was needed to be healed, more involvement was needed, not realizing that a depressed person doesn't have the strength to do that. I think that they just aren't  educated about depression, and that they haven't experienced long term depression themselves. They just don't know that part of the brain sometimes malfunctions, just like other organs that don't function well in the body. It would be so refreshing and helpful if the Christian community would help those suffering instead of making the victims feel guilty for the misfiring of brain chemicals that cause long term depression. When I hear those messages, I just realize that the pastor just doesn't have the experience needed to help in this matter. So many of us who have battled depression and maybe need medication to cope are really embarrassed. Even family members don't understand. It's so important for depressed people to seek out professional help of someone who is educated in the matter. Nobody should judge those who take their lives because of depression. Those who judge have never really understood the pain. I believe Jesus knows, he knows the pain that drives people to drugs and alcohol. I believe that Jesus takes everything into consideration at the judgment. I think people who take their own lives even as a Christian, Jesus knows and understands their pain and knows that in a depressed state, people don't always make the right decisions.

 

I agree that when the brain breaks down anything can and does occur.  However, I also realize that our actions do bring on many brain defects and afflictions, such as dare devil actions that sometimes leaves people paralyzed, choices to follow the alcohol crowd, as my sister did, can lead to alcoholism and some alcoholics lives' result in suicide.  I cannot decipher it all but I know that if a person is saved (and only the Lord knows) then if they follow his precepts and principles for life they will not succumb to the ravages brought on by alcohol addiction and then suicide.  Why play with fire?  Even if one does not succumb to alcoholism, I have never know anyone who did not drive and drink although they will look you in the face and say that they do not. Listening to their tales I knew that they did drive and drink.  What they likely meant was "I was not drunk while driving" and they see that as not driving after drinking if they decide that they were not drunk.  Yet millions do that very thing. Many  to their and our society's detriment. Was the brain defective before they commenced drinking that lead to suicide?  Probably not.  Choices always have consequences that leads many off a cliff.

I lost a good friend to suicide in 2012. He was someone I considered to be a strong Christian and I know he knew the hope of Jesus. But depression and life circumstances got a hold of him in a way that he didn't seem able to fight - or at least felt that way. I have found comfort in the passage of Peter walking on water. Peter was right in front of Jesus and still began to sink because his focus was skewed and not on Jesus. But it didn't matter where Peter was looking because Jesus was focused on him and had a hold of Peter before he sank. I know Jesus had/has a hold of my friend and though I miss him terrible in this life, I praise God he is no longer suffering and struggling. Some days are harder than others - some days I'm mad at my friend - some days I ask God why He didn't stop him - some days I grieve again for the pain my friend was feeling. Each of these days push me forward to reach out more. To listen to God's direction in talking with a friend or providing encouragement as I'm able.

I was truly touched by your handling of depression. I have long held that it is not simply mind over matter, rather it is more physical. We do not judge diabetics but it is very common to judge those who suffer from depression.

Bottom line everyone...depression is real and debilitating.  Whether someone knows Jesus or not, depression can be so overwhelming that one cannot think beyond that.  

I had a dear friend that was a born-again Christian.  He suffered from Bipolar disorder his entire adult life.  He didn't like the how the meds made him feel and wasn't stronger than the disease.  He took his own life.  He wanted to be with his Lord and without the pain of bipolar.  Did he go to heaven?  You betcha.  Sin is sin...no matter what and Jesus paid the price of my friend's sin...and yours...and mine.  Thank you Lord!

I have also dealt with depression and PTSD for all of my adult life.  There have been good times and bad; times when I did not want to live...but I did not want to die.  I can't imagine how much worse it must be for someone that feels death is the only answer.  Life is very painful at times.

I also read that Robin Williams was born-again.  I know we all want to know he went to Heaven, but we will not know that till we get there ourselves.  I pray he is in Heaven...I want him to be.  However, God knows and that is all that matters. 

All the vitamins, medications, good health, prayer and even Jesus don't seem to be enough for some people.  Jesus should be enough, but sometimes people just can't see/feel/know that through their pain.  Give some Grace to those people.  Don't judge...you haven't walked in their shoes.

I fully agree with those that say we cannot judge, only God can determine one's salvation.  The thing I haven't noticed anyone saying is this, I am concerned about the possibility of society beginning to condone and even honor suicide as a viable alternative.  Is anyone else getting that feeling?

To Paul Schneider.  I do not agree with you Paul.  I have been a Christian for more than 35 years and have suffered from Post Natal, and Clinical Depression, with ongoing bouts of severe depression, anxiety and panic  for more than 23 years.  I have wanted to exit this world on many occasions and have been too scared to tell anyone for the fact that I might have been locked up in Mental Health.  I received no help or support, even from my husband. I have a relationship with Jesus and seek him every day, but I am going through profound depression at present and no one but my eldest son knows that, and that is only because he is experiencing it as well due to the lack of employment and his self image and confidence has taken a blow.  I battle daily with depression but am not thinking of taking my life, because I don't believe it is the real answer.  But we cannot judge Robin Williams as we are not his Maker and Robin will have to answer to Him for his actions. And until we walk in someone else's shoes and experience their pain for whatever reason, we have no right to offer trite comments such as if he only knew Jesus.  Jesus knows him and maybe he never received any 'real' introduction to his Master from any concerned believer so how could he ever make a decision to follow Christ?  And maybe he was just too paralysed by what was taking place in his life.  I know, I have felt that paralysis and pain.  It is sad he is gone, a great comedian, loving father and husband who was emptied out by two previous failed marriages.  People do things to others that can make them walk a path that they don't want to which can lead to dire consequences and put them in a frightening position of 'NO WAY OUT'.  I don't judge him, I feel compassion and sadness for him and what he has done and for that of his family he has devastatingly left behind.  Rest in Peace Robin, I pray the LORD God Almighty will judge you righteously and with His standard and not that of man.  The world will miss you and the joy and laughter you brought into everyone's lives.  You were an extremely talented and hilarious comedian who brought so much pleasure and joy into people's lives through your talented contribution to the world of entertainment.  Let us help and not judge those who make costly mistakes, and take the time to consider what might be happening in their lives to make them go down that road of no return. God bless your family Robin and may His peace which passes all understanding be their portion today and always.  Amen.  

The loss of Robin Williams is really tragic and sad because it did not need to happen, if only someone had introduced him to Jesus. When we have Jesus in our heart it's pretty difficult to do something as selfish as this; also as a believer we would be more likely to look to Him for the solution, healing and direction we need.

Thank you for your post regarding mental illness.  I have suffered from panic and anxiety for over 20 years, to the point where I only go a few miles from my home and I have a hard time being alone.  In those years I have thought suicide was my only way out.  Not because I didn't want to live but because I couldn't live like this anymore.  One night I had decided I was going to do it. Then I had a dream that I did it and Jesus said to me, "But tomorrow I was going to set you free".  I still hold on for that tomorrow.  I have had many well meaning believers tell me it is because of sin and that fearing is sin.  I have been told I have the power to overcome because Christ is in me.  I have gone for every prayer or healing service I can go to.  Prayed, learned scripture, rebuked, etc.  Only to feel worse because maybe I didn't have enough faith or I didn't say the prayer the right way or because there was still sin in me that I hadn't confessed which all lead to more panic.  I thought if the people only knew how much I wanted to be free.  I want to be free more then they could ever imagine.  I get excited when I think about being free and how a day in my life would then look and feel.  Thank you for not condemning because we do enough of that ourselves.  I know there is a battle for our lives and the battle belongs to the Lord but I also do all I can every day to fight in the mean time.  I have an amazing, patient husband and 2 children with one on the way and I think I want my freedom even more for them :)  

Sorry but I need to share a quick story because I know Jesus is still in the business of setting people free! My husband was an alcoholic which I didn't know until we got married.  I prayed for him like I have never prayed for anyone as well as people around us that I knew would love him anyway.  Focus on the Family called to thank us for giving and asked if we had a prayer request so we asked for prayer for my husband.  Esther(will never forget her name) prayed that my husband would desire more of the Lord and less of the things of this world.  Which had been my husbands prayer,  God did literally set my husband free. He has not drank or desired a drink in 7 years and has given his testimony many times. I have told him and he knows, that people need to know there is freedom! It encourages us to press on! I have tears even as I right this.  Thank you Lord! Thank you, Karri

When I first started reading the comments to this article, I felt encouraged, then discouraged, then I began to feel angry with some of my brothers and sisters in Christ. I closed the site and walked away. Then I prayed and returned to share my thoughts. 

Yes, I have struggled! Even watching my mother suffer, I too believed it was mind over matter. Then it hit me like an earthquake in the middle of my nursing school-the very pursuit God compelled me to undertake. The enemy used this very vulnerable time where my body was falling apart to convince me God had either left me (or I'd never really been saved in the first place) or His promise of peace is conditional-because I sure hadn't had that in a long time. I know now that I didn't have the ability to process anything clearly, but fight daily to regain all that ground of belief, confidence and intimacy I'd once had with God. I continue to need prayers from all my brothers and sisters, please!

First hopelessness-depression is something we all face at one time or another in our lives.  Some to the extent they see no relief except death or just keep on struggling daily as the hopelessness drains all the life energy out of us.  Please beware of friends and love ones that are changing their contacts and activities-withdrawing, slowly fading away from life need us.  Reach out. WE are not the answer, love is and get your friend the help they need, a physical check up to rule out physical imbalances and correct as needed, and a mental health evaluation and a spiritual out pouring of Love, Listen, listen to their pain and lead them toward God's love and healing in Jesus Christ.  For he knows the pain and is with us.  Not simple but can change death to a life lived.  I want even 36 years after that I had known the signs of depression and had been able to help my fiancé get the help to turn him back toward celebrating life and leaving the pain of the past behind.  Please listen to the sound of changes in your friend/loved one and act immediately. 

Paula Oas is absolutely correct!  Our mental health is a barometer of our physical health.  When we are eating the foods the the Lord created for us to eat in the form that He created them (not chemically processed) we have better mental health.  Our food supply and our diets are so far removed from what the Creator designed that it is no surprise that we struggle with all sorts of physical and mental illnesses.  Add to that, the medications that are prescribed for depression and you have a recipe for suicide.  Please look at the black box warnings on prescription psychotropic drugs.  Among the many side effects listed is "thoughts of suicide".  There are scores of different anti-depressants on the market, which have drastic effects if they aren't right for a particular individual.  There is a lot of trial and error sometimes to find the "right medication" for someone. I am sure that Robin Williams was taking anti-depressants.  He might have been more of a victim of the side-effects rather than someone who was unable to get his depression under control.  I almost lost a daughter this way. 

People need to take the time to learn about healthy diet and lifestyle.  To Paula's good advice I would like to add changing the fats that you eat to Omega 3 fats (olive, avocado, and coconut oils, wild caught ocean fish, and pasture-raised beef and eggs-eat the yolks, they are a liquid multivitamin!)

Also the Sunshine vitamin, vitamin D.  For years we were told to stay our of the sun.  It is the most efficient way (and free) for our bodies to get vitamin D.  Getting sunshine in moderation actually prevents more types of cancer than it is said to cause. 

It is my prayer that God's people understand that what He created is good and will keep us healthy.  There is no quick fix.  We must go back to eating whole and chemical free foods and getting exercise. 

Suicide and depression.  Both far too common.  I read Jim Daly's blog...THANK YOU for your even-keeled, faith-filled response to Robin Williams' death.

Jim, I wonder if you are aware of how your other post on the side of this one (Making Healthy Food Choices for Your Family) relates to this one on depression. 
I have been a Christian for 40 years, and for about 20 years of that time, I was suffering from depression.  No matter how I sought the Lord, I was constantly nervous, irritable and depressed.  It was so hard to even breathe some days, as Ann Voskamp described above.
 
I will shorten this story and jump to the quick:  my depression was caused by two things.  #1 - a shortage of B vitamins (they are called the "happy" vitamin) and
#2 - a gut that needed to be fed healthy probiotics.  Did you know that "depression and a variety of behavioral problems actually appear to be linked to an imbalance of bacteria in your gut"?  Information on this topic is found at the following link:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/04/12/beware--bacteria-growing-in-your-gut-can-influence-your-behavior.aspx
In short, the good bacteria in our gut produce the serotonin which is responsible for our sense of well-being.  If all we have is bad bacteria, we will be very depressed.

After I began taking B vitamins, my nervousness and depression began melting away.  But it was only when I began taking high quality probiotics (actually, I made and ate homemade yogurt) that my anxiety disappeared and I was filled with a wonderful sense of well-being, day after day.   There is nothing to equal the Joy of knowing the Lord AND the joy of being filled with well-being instead of depression.  I am on Cloud 9!

So, DIET IS EVERYTHING!  I believe most Americans are eating a diet which destroys their good gut bacteria, and that is the root cause for the great increase in depression and suicide we are seeing. 

hopefully people will come to understand there are two kinds of depression;
situational depression where the events around you make you depressed and
organic depression where the mind itself is not functioning correctly, perhaps a chemical imbalance or not enough of a chemical is being produced etc.
unfortunately medical science knows far less about depression and mental illness  than it wants you to know. and many of its cures are almost quack medicine. even when a drug works, just  read the notes that comes with it and it will say the functioning of the drug is not understood.

My name is Sam Spahr. I am 46 years old and currently beginning my third year at Liberty University Online pursuing a B. S. in Religion with a concentration in Christian Counseling. Almost four years ago my wife was diagnosed with Bipolar I. The issue of suicide is one that I often thought of. Last November, my fear was realized as my wife attempted suicide. My main thought was whether a believer who committed suicide would go to heaven. I had grown up with the belief that suicide meant one would go to hell. This, of course, worried me for my wife.

 

After much thought and prayer, I believe that this is not the case. Matthew 12:31 says there is only one sin that is unforgivable, and that is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. I believe God in His grace and mercy saves infants who die before being able to make the decision for Christ, along with those who are mentally disabled and not able to make the decision for Christ. When one is in the midst of depression, they are not in their “right mind,” when one is in the midst of depression, emotion over rules knowledge. One may be saved and know that they are loved by Christ, but one does not feel that.

 

The hope that is in Christ is not realized by someone who is in the midst of depression. This, however, does not mean that hope is not there. In John 10:28-29, Jesus says, “And I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand” (NASB).

I really don't know about depression but a friend had depression and heard voices forty years ago. She stood on the verse that says I have not given you a spirit of fear, but of love, and power, and a sound mind. Today she is still a strong Christian and has no depression or voices and has a degree in psychology. For her, God used for good what was intended for her demise. I know that God doesn't heal everyone who is sick, mentally or physically, on this earth. God Himself, said that His ways are not ours and our thoughts are not His. If someone is physically or mentally ill why would we, as Christians. believe we can determine the reason for said illness? Apart from being a Psychiatrist, or Medical Doctor, how would we know anything about it? Should we judge our brothers and sisters in Christ? If we believe one is involved in something that is truly sin (adultery, etc.) then we should indeed judge...in love. But for someone who is ill we should pray. We are called to love each other, and to edify. Many have spoken of pastors who have accused the depressed of being in sin. This seems to be an answer some Christians offer when they just don't have an answer. The true answer is "I don't know why" and then ask Jesus for help and healing. Sometimes people just don't want to admit they don't know why and if that's your pastor I would seek out a new one. I don't know if Robin Williams was a Christian but God does since He looks at the heart and I for one am grateful for that! Thank you anonymous for your poem (Donald), excellent.

As an Air Force Chaplain, I received a distressed call from a Sgt that I had led to the Lord the year before.  He wanted to take his life because his marriage had failed.  I talked to him on the phone for almost two hours and got nowhere.  Then I met him at a fast food place and talked to him for almost another two hours, and got nowhere.  Then I got an idea.  I asked him if suicide was of God.  He said no.  Then I asked him if suicide was of the devil.  He said yes.  Then I told him that as Christians we have authority over the devil.  Then I prayed and rebuked the spirit of suicide that was afflicting him.  Three months later, he got up in chapel and gave his testimony of how he intended to take his life.  Then he said, "After Chaplain Burroughs prayed for me, I haven't had any thoughts of suicide since." 

 

I like this view of suicide because it aligns with scripture, "We wrestle not against flesh and blood..........."  It also uses the tools of deliverance, the one third of Christ's ministry that nobody talks about.  But most of all it brings the teachings of Christ to bear on our everyday life and our profession as counselors.  After all, Jesus is the smartest counselor who ever lived.

 

Paul Burroughs

I would like to say to "Anonymous" that although she thinks she is the strong one, I would like to point out, (from the  viewpoint of the 'non-depressed' person), that a depressed person is very, very heavy to carry.  Day after day, week after week, carrying the depressed person, filling both your shoes and theirs, doing double time, getting no kudos but lots of criticism ("You don't understand me, if you only put more effort into understanding what I am going through!"), the task seems more than you can bear.  The depressed person is getting more attention than he or she realizes.  Just as in the care of the elderly, the 'caregiver' burns out and needs refreshing and just a little credit now and then.  I would like to encourage those who are doing their best to 'keep the wagon rolling' during this tough time that God is strong, He will sustain you, and He will only give you what you can bear with His strength.  Every time God allows hardship in our lives, He is also doing His best work in us.         
Signed,
The Other Point of View

As a person who has struggled with depression for at least 27 years I am well aware that you may be counting your blessings in your mind and living without hope and with anxiety in body. My personal issue is a brain chemical called Serotonin. I simply don't have enough to keep me from being depressed without perscription drugs. 

Spiritual warfare seems glorious until you realize how fallen human beings are and the depth of their depravity.  Winnings battles against Satan, like in the movie God Is NOT Dead, are fun but in all battles there are casualties on both sides!  I feel like the Prophet who spread his information across the tabernacle and called out to God, when he would put an end to the attracts on his people!